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US dollar may reach 88-89 rubles by end of 2026 — expert

The official dollar exchange rate set by the Central Bank of Russia for February 19 stands at 76.1 rubles

KRASNOYARSK, February 20. /TASS/. The US dollar exchange rate is projected to reach 88-89 rubles by the end of this year, Chief Economist at VEB.RF Andrey Klepach told TASS on the sidelines of the Siberian Express - 2026 conference.

The official dollar exchange rate set by the Central Bank of Russia for February 19 stands at 76.1 rubles.

"If no major shocks occur in hydrocarbon exports, the rate will be 88-89 [rubles per US dollar]," Klepach said.

At the same time, he noted that Russian businesses would benefit from a weaker ruble in the range of 94-95 rubles per dollar.

Slovak PM warns about response measures if Ukraine playing politics around oil

According to Robert Fico, it can't be ruled out that Ukraine is deliberately delaying the resumption of oil supplies via the Druzhba pipeline

Russian scientist copes with mathematical problem unsolved for 190 years

This breakthrough radically changes the understanding of one of the oldest areas of mathematics, crucial to fundamental physics and economics

Zelensky's order to develop battle plan bad news for Ukrainians — senator

Grigory Karasin highlighted that Zelensky was too dependent on his Western curators

Russian, Chinese, Iranian envoys meet with IAEA chief, urge diplomatic solution for Iran

The joint statements call for a solution to "all existing problems"

Israeli planes attack Hezbollah bases in mountainous areas near Syrian border — TV

Eyewitnesses reported powerful explosions in the vicinity of the village of Al-Nabi Shayth

West using post-Soviet space against Russia: deputy foreign minister’s statements

Mikhail Galuzin noted in a conversation with journalists that trilateral negotiations on the Ukrainian settlement are continuing, although they are difficult

Europe in decline, other kind of war: statements by Lavrov

Sergey Lavrov stressed that Russia is ready to engage with reasonable and pragmatic counterparts

Dmitriev denies Russia offered the US $12 trillion worth projects

According to the CEO of the Russian Direct Investment Fund, the lifting of sanctions will be eventually dictated by Washington's interests

US forces move to Middle East, preparations for strike: escalation around Iran

According to sources, the Pentagon is increasing its military presence in the region by sending additional ships, air defense systems and submarines

Medvedev says Russia not doing enough in microelectronics

The senior official stressed the need for Russia to fully provide for itself in certain, particularly important, strategic sectors

Hungarian PM voices concern over possible US withdrawal from talks on Ukraine

The US might "pack up and leave", Viktor Orban says after a session of the Board of Peace

Poland not seeking to possess nuclear weapons — defense minister

Wladyslaw Kosiniak-Kamysz says that the country will develop the nuclear sector still

Conflict in Ukraine to end when one of the sides is 'exhausted' — Merz

According to the German chancellor, resuming normal relations with Russian President Vladimir Putin is "practically impossible"

Deployment of Russian orbital station planned to begin in 2028 — first deputy premier

Denis Manturov said it will become a key platform for deep space missions, including the creation of a Russian lunar base

Iranian-flagged container ship detained in Denmark — TV

The vessel is currently anchored east of Albaek in the northernmost part of Jutland

Zelensky inventing battle plans to fuel 'war of attrition,' get more money

Vladimir Zelensky's future depends entirely on this conflict and on those who have invested in it, including arms manufacturers and others who expect results, Alexey Chepa, first deputy chairman of the State Duma Committee on International Affairs, said

Russia calls for restraint from all participants in escalation around Iran — Kremlin

Russia continues to develop relations with Iran, Dmitry Peskov said

Special military operation brings new combat trends — Russian General Staff

In addition to firepower, the range of applications of robotic systems is being expanded in reconnaissance missions, counter-battery warfare, minelaying, delivery of ammunition and supplies to the front, as well as evacuation of the wounded from the battlefield

Poland's withdrawal from landmine ban convention threatens escalation — Russian MFA

"Beyond weakening the Convention itself, these steps could set off a domino effect, with other countries following suit," Maria Zakharova said

Ukraine loses over 520,000 troops in 2025 — Russian General Staff

Sergey Rudskoy says total loss of Ukrainian servicemen is estimated at more than 1,5 million

US fails to issue visas to Belarusian delegation for Board of Peace meeting

Minsk has completed all the necessary procedures, according to the Belarusian Foreign Ministry

US could launch limited strike on Iran to push for nuclear deal — WSJ

The sources say that the potential strike could target military and government buildings

EU envoys meeting on anti-Russian sanctions ended without result — Reuters

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Trump extends anti-Russian sanctions related to Ukraine for one year

"The actions and policies addressed in these Executive Orders continue to pose an unusual and extraordinary threat to the national security and foreign policy of the United States," the US leader said

Russia’s new Oko-2, Oko-3 recon drones deployed in special military operation zone

The Oko-2 drone has a range of up to 60 km, while the Oko-3 has a range of up to 130 km

Some EU countries oppose EC plans to expand staff by 2,500 employees — media

EU ministers described the European Commission's request for an additional €1.4 billion to hire new staff and strengthen administrative capacity as inappropriate

Defense minister says Israeli military to stay in Gaza forever

Israel will not allow "threats of annihilation" in the future, Defense Minister Israel Katz says

Geneva results, venue for next round, no sense in Europe’s participation: Kremlin

Dmitry Peskov said that Russian President Vladimir Putin has already been briefed by the negotiating team on the results of the Geneva talks

Kallas tenure not 'golden age' of European diplomacy, Kremlin believes

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Venezuelan parliament passes law granting amnesty to political prisoners

The authority approved the bill unanimously, Speaker Jorge Rodriguez says

US deploys 68 military cargo aircraft to Middle East over three days — media

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Qatar, Kuwait, UAE, Saudi Arabia pledge to allocate over $4 bln to support Gaza Strip

On January 22, representatives of 19 countries signed the charter establishing the Board of Peace for Gaza in a ceremony on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum in Davos

Special military op’s goal is to ensure peace for decades to come — Medvedev

The special military operation continues and it will undoubtedly be seen through to the end, the politician emphasized

Russian troops strike Ukrainian army’s energy infrastructure over past day — top brass

Russia’s Battlegroup Center inflicted roughly 350 casualties on Ukrainian troops and destroyed three enemy armored combat vehicles in its area of responsibility over the past day, the Defense Ministry reported

Ukrainian soldiers blow up ferry in Dnepropetrovsk Region to skip combat — defense source

According to the source, it were soldiers of the Ukrainian army’s 67th brigade

Medvedev praised import substitution in Russian defense industry

The deputy chairman of the Russian Security Council noted that this often happens because there is no other choice

Japan's PM reaffirms intent to sign peace treaty with Russia

Sanae Takaichi criticized Russia's actions in Ukraine, calling for an immediate end to the conflict

Russian defense minister holds talks with visiting Madagascar counterpart

Andrey Belousov said that a lot of work had been done

FBI, US Justice Department oversee Ukraine’s corruption probe into Energoatom — report

According to the report, the consultations helped to raise the "ability to process significant cases related to corruption in Ukraine’s state-owned energy corporation"

Trump considers large-scale strike on Iran's nuclear targets — media

On Thursday, the US leader said he would give Iran no more than 15 days to reach an agreement

Russia strengthening its western border security — General Staff

According to Colonel General Sergey Rudskoy, equipping the general purpose forces with modern military equipment remains a priority

IMF takes not of moderate contraction of US dollar share in international reserves

The IMF also pointed to the dollar depreciation against other currency from peak values of 2024

Trump announces plans for symbiotic relationship between Board of Peace, UN

The US president said that Washington was planning to provide financial support to the global organization and help modernize its infrastructure

Russian Pacific Fleet frigate to join security exercise in India — Commander

According to Admiral Alexander Moiseyev, all Milan 2026 events "are being held in the spirit of cooperation, peace, and security"

Board of Peace necessary, because other organizations fail to keep global peace — Orban

The Hungarian prime minister said that new initiatives are needed to bring forward the issue of peace globally

Deputy foreign ministers of Russia, Kazakhstan discuss nuclear disarmament in Astana

The two sides exchanged views on work within multilateral structures, including the First Committee of the UN General Assembly

US lacks air defenses in Middle East for Iran operation — NBC

According to sources, the Pentagon is building up its military presence in the region by sending additional ships, air defense systems and submarines there

US military ready to strike Iran on Saturday, but Trump yet to make decision — media

The channel notes that the White House is weighing the consequences of both escalation and restraint

Security in Europe impossible without Russia — top Russian senator

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Uralvagonzavod Group delivers batch of modernized BREM-80 vehicles to troops

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Trump expects clarity on possible US-Iran nuclear deal within ten days

According to the US president, the sides "may have to take it a step further"

Ukrainian troops to withdraw from Donbass if Zelensky issues such order — National Guard

Alexander Pivnenko also complained about a shortage of personnel in the Ukrainian army and acknowledged that the Ukrainian public is tired of the fighting

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AmCham head calls sanctions on Russian aviation mistake

Robert Agee also noted that he is working to remove some sanction restrictions on Russian banks’ licenses

US government to release files on aliens, UFOs — Trump

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Board of Peace first meeting: What is known about organization at this point

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Russia to test Internet provider drone similar to Starlink — newspaper

According to the newspaper, the drone will operate at an altitude of 15 to 24 kilometers

Russia returns to electronic engineering pool — first deputy PM

Denis Manturov added that Russia should master the new lithography machine for 130 nanometers

Russian forces step up strikes on Ukrainian military enterprises — General Staff

Sergey Rudskoy says the measures cut Ukraine’s capabilities to equip its army

Europe blocks peace following Alaska summit — Russia’s former PM

Sergey Stepashin says believes that the summit was a breakthrough

Ukraine to resume oil pumping to Slovakia on Saturday

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Generals Moskalik, Sarvarov killed in Kiev regime’s terrorist attacks — General Staff

Colonel General Sergei Rudskoy noted that with the deaths of the generals, the troops "lost true professionals, loyal comrades, and true patriots"

Epstein’s files mention Zelensky in connection with human trafficking from Ukraine

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Russian army stocked with 70% modern weapons — official

First Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov said that continuous modernization of models and the development of advanced weapons is under way

Italian journalist detained in Turkey on mission to investigate isolation prisons

International Reporters’ official says the organization witnesses a second detention of its journalist in six months

Netanyahu warns Iran of response it ‘cannot even imagine’ if it attacks Israel

Israel demands that Iran destroy the uranium enrichment infrastructure, cut the missile program, stop helping the allies, the official says

UK will not let US use its bases for strike on Iran — newspaper

According to the sources, the UK authorities are to ban the use of the facilities due to a concern that a US strike would constitute "a breach of the international law."

Ukrainian military attacks Belgorod Region using 50 drones in one day

An FPV drone attack on a vehicle in Zamostye resulted in three injuries

European Commission should defend EU interests, not Ukraine’s — top Hungarian diplomat

Peter Szijjarto says that the authority must also make Croatians understand the obligation to fully import Russian oil to Hungary and Slovakia

Kiev argues Ukraine is interested only in full EU membership

The deputy head of Vladimir Zelensky’s office expressed optimism that a political decision on Ukraine’s EU accession could be reached by 2027

Press review: India to continue buying Russian oil as US amasses major force near Iran

Top stories from the Russian press on Friday, February 20th

FACTBOX: King’s brother, former Prince Andrew, arrested in UK

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European Commission prepares legal grounds to intercept Russian oil tankers — source

The potential measure raises concerns among several EU states over a military confrontation risk

Trump says gets on well with Putin

The US president complained that he had underestimated the complexity of resolving the crisis in Ukraine

Russian General Staff uses analytics to counter Ukrainian strikes deep into Russia

Colonel General Sergey Rudskoy noted that the Main Operations Directorate is directly involved in developing and implementing a set of measures to enhance air defense capabilities

Many issues to address Ukrainian crisis mulled in Geneva — Russian deputy foreign minister

The talks between Russia, the United States and Ukraine were held in Geneva on February 17-18

Russia’s Petrosyan finishes 6th in women’s figure skating at 2026 Winter Olympics in Italy

US' Alysa Liu won the gold in women’s singles

Seven dead in Lake Baikal tourist vehicle tragedy — Emergencies Ministry

Rescuers conducted a survey using an underwater camera

Russia’s Filippov wins silver at 2026 Winter Olympics in Ski Mountaineering

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Liberating Krinichnoye, Russian troops penetrate Ukraine’s defenses — expert

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Trump says 50 million barrels of Venezuelan oil en route to US

The US has oil as well but "we’re helping them a lot," the president says

Ukrainian official declares he found over $653,000 in his grandmother's garage

Alexander Subbotenko characterized the practice of keeping savings in US dollars as a "family custom"

Venezuela’s authorized president signs law granting amnesty to political prisoners

Delcy Rodriguez thanked the legislators, officials for an "exceptional political maturity"

International forces in Gaza to include troops from Albania, Indonesia, Kazakhstan

Egypt and Jordan have committed to train police

Russia ready to increase agricultural exports to Madagascar

Trading in mineral fertilizers is also a promising area of cooperation

Zelensky actively sabotages peace process — Russian top senator

Valentina Matviyenko says Vladimir Zelensky "rejects any substantive basis for a peace agreement"

Russian Transport Ministry take support measures for ports of Gulf of Finland

A diesel-powered icebreaker already arrived in the Gulf of Finland, Andrey Nikitin noted

Kremlin sees extension of US sanctions as automatic decision

Dmitry Peskov added that the negotiation process with Washington is complicated

Palestine calls for Israel’s exclusion from Board of Peace — ambassador

Palestinian Ambassador to Austria and Permanent Observer to international organizations in Vienna Salah Abdel Shafi said that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is a war criminal and should stand trial for the crimes committed

US administration to speed up nuclear weapons development — expert

According to Greg Mello, the administration of US President Donald Trump leads the National Nuclear Security Administration via a more hawkish approach

Senior Russian, Cuban defense officials discuss military-technical cooperation

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Russia should not lose achievements it obtained under sanctions — Medvedev

According to Dmitry Medvedev, this ultimately develops competencies that will be in demand in the country in the future

Zelensky, his wife linked to human trafficking through Epstein's schemes — politician

Viktor Medvedchuk stressed that Zelensky's name is mentioned many times in the Epstein case

Preparations for Putin's visit to China have not yet begun — Kremlin

Dmitry Peskov also highlighted that there is a mutual understanding that the visit will occur this year